How does 17 diamond mesh impact goalie performance. What are the key steps in stringing a goalie head with this mesh type. Why is proper stringing technique crucial for optimal play.
Understanding 17 Diamond Mesh for Goalie Heads
17 diamond mesh is a popular choice for lacrosse goalie heads due to its balance of hold, release, and durability. This mesh type features 17 diamonds across the widest part of the head, offering a sweet spot between control and quick ball release.
Why choose 17 diamond mesh for a goalie head. This mesh configuration provides:
- Enhanced ball control and “feel”
- Consistent pocket depth
- Improved rebound control
- Durability in various weather conditions
Essential Tools and Materials for Stringing
Before diving into the stringing process, gather these necessary items:
- 17 diamond mesh piece
- Goalie head
- Sidewall string (2-3 pieces)
- Top string
- Bottom string
- Shooting strings (2-3)
- Scissors
- Lighter
- Stringing needle (optional but recommended)
Selecting Quality Mesh
Choosing the right mesh is crucial for optimal performance. Consider factors such as:
- Weather resistance
- Break-in time
- Durability
- Texture and grip
Premium options like Throne Mesh, as reviewed in the original text, offer excellent performance characteristics. When selecting mesh, look for those that maintain consistency in wet conditions and resist bagging over time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Stringing a Goalie Head
Follow these steps to string your goalie head with 17 diamond mesh:
1. Prepare the Mesh
Begin by stretching the mesh gently to remove any creases or folds. This step ensures even tension across the entire piece.
2. Attach the Top String
Start by securing the top string to the top of the head. Use a double knot at one end, then weave the string through the top row of diamonds and the corresponding holes in the head.
3. Begin Sidewall Stringing
Attach the sidewall string to the top corner of the head. Start weaving the string through the mesh and sidewall holes, creating a pattern that will define your pocket placement.
4. Create the Channel
As you continue stringing down the sidewalls, pay attention to creating a channel in the center of the head. This channel helps guide the ball into the sweet spot of the pocket.
5. Adjust Tension
Maintain consistent tension throughout the stringing process. The mesh should be taut but not overly tight, allowing for some flexibility.
6. Secure the Bottom String
Once you reach the bottom of the head, attach the bottom string. This helps to define the depth of your pocket.
7. Add Shooting Strings
Incorporate 2-3 shooting strings across the upper portion of the mesh. These strings help fine-tune the release point and ball control.
Advanced Stringing Techniques for Goalies
To optimize your goalie head’s performance, consider these advanced techniques:
Butterfly Knots
Incorporating butterfly knots in your sidewall stringing can enhance pocket stability and ball retention. How do you tie a butterfly knot. Follow these steps:
- Create a loop with your sidewall string
- Pass the working end of the string through this loop twice
- Pull tight to create a knot resembling a butterfly
Channel Creation
A well-defined channel is crucial for consistent saves and outlet passes. To create an effective channel:
- Use tighter knots towards the edges of the head
- Employ looser stringing in the center
- Consider using a “V” or “U” shaped pattern in your sidewall stringing
Optimizing Pocket Depth and Shape
The ideal pocket depth and shape can vary based on personal preference and playing style. However, most goalies benefit from a mid to deep pocket that offers both control and quick release.
How can you adjust pocket depth. Try these methods:
- Modify the tension of your bottom string
- Adjust the placement and tension of shooting strings
- Experiment with different sidewall patterns
Maintenance and Care for Your Strung Goalie Head
Proper maintenance ensures longevity and consistent performance of your strung goalie head. Follow these tips:
Regular Cleaning
Clean your mesh after each use, especially if playing in muddy or dusty conditions. Use lukewarm water and mild soap, gently scrubbing with a soft brush.
Drying
Always air dry your head and mesh thoroughly before storage. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can damage the mesh fibers.
Re-adjusting
Periodically check your stringing and make minor adjustments as needed. This helps maintain optimal pocket shape and performance.
Troubleshooting Common Stringing Issues
Even experienced stringers encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common problems:
Inconsistent Pocket Depth
If your pocket depth varies, check the tension of your sidewall strings. Ensure they’re evenly tightened throughout the head.
Poor Ball Release
A sticky release might indicate overly tight shooting strings. Try loosening them slightly or adjusting their position.
Mesh Bagging
If your mesh bags out quickly, consider using a harder mesh type or adjusting your stringing pattern for more support.
Comparing 17 Diamond Mesh to Other Options
While 17 diamond mesh is popular, it’s worth understanding how it compares to other options:
17 Diamond vs. 12 Diamond
17 diamond mesh offers more control and a defined channel compared to 12 diamond, which provides a quicker release but less precision.
17 Diamond vs. 20 Diamond
20 diamond mesh, like the one reviewed in the original text, provides even more hold and control than 17 diamond, but may sacrifice some release speed.
Which mesh type is best for goalies. The choice depends on individual playing style and preferences. Many goalies find 17 diamond to be an excellent middle ground, offering a balance of control and quick release.
Evolving Trends in Goalie Mesh and Stringing
The world of lacrosse equipment is constantly evolving. Recent trends in goalie mesh and stringing include:
Weather-Resistant Materials
Manufacturers are developing mesh types that maintain consistency in all weather conditions. The Throne Mesh reviewed in the original text exemplifies this trend, showing no performance changes when wet or frozen.
Customizable Pockets
Some mesh products now come with variable diamond sizes within the same piece, allowing for customized pocket shapes and ball control zones.
Eco-Friendly Options
As sustainability becomes a greater focus, some companies are exploring environmentally friendly mesh materials and production processes.
How are these trends impacting goalie play. They’re allowing for more consistent performance across various conditions and enabling goalies to fine-tune their equipment to an unprecedented degree.
The Impact of Proper Stringing on Goalie Performance
The importance of correct stringing cannot be overstated when it comes to goalie performance. A well-strung head can significantly impact several aspects of play:
Save Percentage
Proper pocket depth and channel creation can improve ball retention upon impact, potentially increasing save percentages.
Outlet Passes
A well-defined channel and appropriate shooting string placement can enhance the accuracy and distance of outlet passes, crucial for initiating fast breaks.
Rebound Control
As demonstrated in the Throne Mesh review, the right mesh and stringing combination can significantly improve rebound control, keeping the ball closer to the goalie after saves.
How much can proper stringing improve performance. While difficult to quantify precisely, many goalies report noticeable improvements in their game after optimizing their stick’s stringing.
Leveraging Technology in Goalie Mesh and Stringing
Advancements in technology are revolutionizing goalie mesh and stringing techniques:
Computer-Aided Design
Some manufacturers are using CAD software to design mesh patterns that optimize performance characteristics like hold, channel depth, and release speed.
3D-Printed Stringing Tools
Custom 3D-printed tools are emerging to assist with complex stringing patterns, allowing for more precise and consistent results.
Smart Mesh
While still in early stages, some companies are exploring the concept of “smart mesh” that could provide real-time data on pocket shape, ball speed, and other metrics.
How might these technologies shape the future of goalie play. They could lead to more personalized equipment setups, improved consistency, and potentially even real-time performance feedback during games or practice.
The Psychology of Goalie Stick Preparation
The process of stringing and maintaining a goalie stick goes beyond mere equipment preparation—it can have significant psychological impacts on a player’s performance:
Ritual and Routine
Many goalies find the act of stringing or adjusting their stick to be a calming ritual that helps them focus before games or practices.
Confidence Boost
Knowing that their stick is strung to their exact specifications can provide goalies with a significant confidence boost, potentially improving their on-field performance.
Mental Preparation
The time spent working on their stick allows goalies to mentally prepare for upcoming games, visualizing saves and thinking through strategies.
How can goalies leverage this psychological aspect. Incorporating stick maintenance and adjustment into pre-game routines can serve as a valuable mental preparation tool, helping to center focus and build confidence.
Adapting Stringing Techniques for Different Playing Styles
Not all goalies play the same way, and stringing techniques can be adapted to suit different styles:
Aggressive vs. Conservative Play
Goalies who play more aggressively outside the crease might prefer a shallower pocket for quicker ball release, while those who stay closer to the goal might opt for a deeper pocket for better ball control.
Outlet Pass Specialists
Goalies known for their long, accurate outlet passes might focus on creating a more defined channel and pay special attention to shooting string placement.
Rebound Control Focus
For those prioritizing rebound control, like in the Throne Mesh review, stringing techniques that create a softer pocket might be preferred.
How can a goalie determine the best stringing style for their play. Experimentation is key. Try different patterns and adjustments, keeping notes on how each affects various aspects of your game.
The Role of Mesh and Stringing in Injury Prevention
Proper mesh selection and stringing techniques can play a role in preventing certain injuries:
Wrist and Arm Strain
A well-strung stick with appropriate mesh can reduce the impact force of shots, potentially decreasing the risk of repetitive strain injuries to the wrists and arms.
Hand Protection
Correct pocket depth and shape can help cradle the ball more securely upon impact, reducing the chance of painful “stingers” to the hands and fingers.
Overall Fatigue
An optimally strung stick can make saves and clears more efficient, potentially reducing overall fatigue during long practices or games.
How significant is the impact of proper stringing on injury prevention. While it’s not a substitute for proper technique and protective gear, many goalies and coaches believe that a well-strung stick can contribute to overall safety and longevity in the position.
Stringing as an Art Form: Expressing Individuality
Beyond its functional aspects, stick stringing has evolved into a form of self-expression for many players:
Color Coordination
Many goalies choose mesh and string colors that match their team’s colors or reflect their personal style.
Signature Patterns
Some goalies develop unique stringing patterns that become their signature, recognizable to teammates and opponents alike.
Customized Knots
The use of specialized knots or weaving patterns in the sidewall can add both functional benefits and aesthetic appeal.
How does this artistic aspect impact the game. While it doesn’t directly affect performance, the personalization of equipment can boost a player’s confidence and enjoyment of the sport, potentially leading to improved play.
The Future of Goalie Mesh and Stringing Techniques
As lacrosse continues to evolve, so too will the technology and techniques used in goalie equipment:
Artificial Intelligence in Design
AI could potentially be used to analyze a goalie’s playing style and recommend optimal stringing patterns and mesh types.
Bioengineered Materials
Future mesh materials might incorporate bioengineered fibers that offer unprecedented levels of weather resistance, durability, and performance.
Virtual Reality Training
VR technology could allow goalies to practice with different stringing setups in a simulated environment before implementing changes in real games.
How might these advancements change the game. They could lead to even more personalized and high-performing equipment, potentially raising the overall level of goalie play across the sport.
In conclusion, stringing a goalie head with 17 diamond mesh is a nuanced process that combines technical skill, personal preference, and an understanding of lacrosse dynamics. By mastering this skill, goalies can significantly enhance their performance and enjoyment of the game. As technology and techniques continue to evolve, the art and science of goalie stick stringing will undoubtedly remain a crucial aspect of the sport.
Gear Review: 20D Goalie Throne Mesh
My first impressions of the mesh before I even opened the packaging was that it was very nice vibrantly colored not dulled like other wax treated mesh. The packaging was very professional and not just a piece of mesh in a sandwich bag. It was in packaging similar to what the kits from STX and Warrior are packaged in. The item purchased was clearly labeled telling me exactly what was in the bag. Throne mesh is fairly priced for their goalie mesh at a range of $20 – $30 depending on the style you choose. I picked up my 20d black fade mesh for $30. Other well known companies sell a similar item for $30-35.
Once I opened the mesh package I noticed the mesh had a nice feel to it , and it was not gooey or sticky like many meshes can be. It was easy to stretch, and did not leave any flakes all over my table or myself. There was absolutely no wax flaking off the mesh at all. While stretching the mesh i found that not only was it very easy to stretch but it also didn’t leave my hands chapped and dry like a lot of the non -wax treated meshes can sometimes do.
After taking the preliminary look at the mesh and its qualities i decided to string it into my new black warrior nemesis. The mesh was very easy to string using the same exact pattern as I use for all of my personal nemesis heads. I did this to ensure a proper test without any risk of my results being blamed on the stringing and not the mesh itself. After it was strung I noticed it had exceptional hold comparable to a marc mesh or ninja mesh.
I then took my completed stick out side to throw some passes as well as outlet passes to my friends. The mesh offered a great release and exceptional hold, I threw a fake downfield pass to a friend and he though he lost the ball in the sun. so i then dunked the head mesh and all into my bathtub test the mesh after being subjected to an extreme amount of rain and weather, then back outside for the same test as dry. The mesh performed exactly as it did while dry, no water was absorbed. There was also no bagging to the mesh at all.
The next test was the cold weather examination, since there is not any snow on the ground nor cold outside, I put my entire head in the freezer. Throne mesh did not harden or freeze unlike meshes I have used in the past .My next tests were more game like performance. I had a few friends meet me at a local college for some on field situation drills. A friend of mine warmed me up with a typical warm up of 10 – 15 shots to each location , all shots were full speed. The mesh held up to the tortuous conditions I was putting it through with great strength. Rebound control was excellent, I decided to have a friend shoot 10 shots to each location, I saved 5 with brick hands and 5 soft handed to test if it was my natural abilities controlling rebounds or if it was throne mesh. On average the brick handed rebounds landed about 1.5 ft outside the crease where the soft hands rebounds ranged from no rebound to inches away.
Throne mesh held its shape and channel through all of my tests.
Of course the pocket shows some signs of being broken in, but not broken by any means, and I am sure all of you will agree that the pocket wear after these tests are perfectly normal for any mesh. Over all I believe Joe at ThroneOfString has a great product and he is really doing it right. I personally would give Throne Mesh 4.5 stars out of 5. I would say 5 out of 5 but just like anything else I rarely ever give perfect marks. I would strongly recommend Throne mesh to everyone, it is a great investment, and should elevate almost anyone’s game. Thank you guys for reading my review and hopefully you all have similar results. You can find me on YouTube and Facebook.Read More Reviews of Throne Mesh
Purchase mesh today at Throneofstring.com
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